The Deutsche Oper Berlin has announced its 2017-18 season and with it, there are numerous exciting stars that will be performing in varying repertoire. This season, which includes 35 operas, will definitely present some gems that should be highlighted. The following are six artists that should not be missed when they perform.

Joseph Calleja – L’Arlesiana

Calleja began his career performing light lyric repertoire and has slowly moved into the heavier roles such as Puccini’s “Tosca” and Bizet’s “Carmen.” Next season he takes on Cilea rarely performed “L’Arlesiana.” The opera features the famous aria Federico’s lament “È la solita storia del pastore,” a piece that Calleja has performed numerous times in concert and one that will be a showstopper this fall when he performs it within the dramatic context.

Diana Damrau – Faust

The coloratura soprano seems to be moving quickly into the dramatic lyric repertoire as she is set for the role of Marguerite. This past winter she took on her first Juliette in Gounod’s opera “Roméo et Juliette” at the Metropolitan Opera and was a huge success. Marguerite requires a middle range that Damrau has developed and deepened as well as dramatic strength, which Damrau excels in. As a result, this is a role that will become one of her warhorses in the coming years. Don’t miss it.

Daniela Barcellona – La Gioconda and Cavalleria Rusticana

Barcellona has always become synonymous with Rossini. But the mezzo-soprano has recently delved into some of the more dramatic repertoire. Next season she takes on two of the most iconic verismo mezzo parts, Laura and Santuzza. Both are known for their difficulty and length. Barcellona has demonstrated that she possesses strength in her voice which should be a solid fit for these operas.

Edita Gruberova – 50th anniversary

The legendary soprano is by far the most acclaimed coloratura soprano of her time and today is considered a legend. Next season Gruberova will give a concert celebrating her 50th anniversary with the company and while she is no longer in her prime, anytime an audience member can see this diva, it is a must see.

David Portillo-Il Viaggio a Reims

One of opera’s promising young tenors returns to Rossini after making excursions into Beethoven, Thomas Adès, and Misty Copeland. As a tenor who has dominated the lyric repertoire and has excelled in many different styles, it should be interesting to see what he does in this rarely performed Rossini role.

Clementine Margaine – Le Prophete

Hailed as the Carmen of our time, Margaine will give something new for audiences to see her in. The mezzo-soprano takes on the challenging music of Meyerbeer in this rarely performed work, which will surely be a discovery for most audiences. Already having achieved international acclaim this role can propel her career to the next level.

About the Author

FRANCISCO SALAZAR, (Publisher) worked as a reporter for Latin Post where he has had the privilege of interviewing numerous opera stars including Anita Rachvelshvili and Ailyn Perez. He also worked as an entertainment reporter where he covered the New York and Tribeca Film Festivals and interviewed many celebrities such as Antonio Banderas, Edgar Ramirez and Benedict Cumberbatch. He currently freelances for Remezcla.
He holds a Masters in Media Management from the New School and a Bachelor's in Film Production and Italian studies from Hofstra University.